The 3 years between tours has almost been surreal. At first the relief of being safe in NZ while worldwide we grappled with a Pandemic, then the safety of leaving NZ with a group became enormous. Finally, by the end of year three, I was missing my tours, along with the wonderful people that travel with me and the many overseas contacts I have made over the years.
I have started in Victoria Australia where I did the research all those years ago. It feels good to have a full tour, with many that have toured with me before and to share my love of gardens, food and the chance to spend 15 days exploring and making new friends.
Flying into Melbourne is always exciting since our son Matthew , partner Kara and two grandchildren Mia and Charlie live in this vibrant city. We had a short morning with them before heading to the “Cullen Art Hotel” in Prahran and meeting up with my tour group in the late afternoon. Adam Cullen’s art covers the walls and each room has books of prominent Australian artists.
Situated over the road from the Prahran Market it soon became evident the effect of lockdowns, lack of staff and general slow down in hospitality had taken its toll. With the hotels bar and breakfast room now gone it meant a walk to a local bar for drinks that night and café for breakfast. Not all bad – but unexpected.
Monday night was certainly quiet, except for dinner at Entrecote. A notable French restaurant in the city. It was full of patrons, noisy with chatter, a marvellous piano player and hosted by impeccable staff.
Classic French dishes were hard to select on the 3 course menu and each exquisitely executed with those stunning rich flavoursome French sauces. It was a perfect start to my tour and provided a memorable experience that we will remember for a long time.
Day 1 .
The impressionist painters of France called “ Monet and Friends’ is the new interactive Art experience at the Lume in South Yarra. The hour long light show performance was amazing and enthralled us all. We had previously been to Van Gogh and this didn’t fail to impress.
Taxis are the best mode of travel for my tour group and they can whisk you through the city with no hassles, arriving within time for our long lunch at ‘Supernormal’ in Flinders Lane. This Japanese fusion restaurant came with plenty of recommendations from our Melbournite friends. After 3 hours we knew why and certainly enjoyed every dish from our banquet menu.
My idea of a walk in the gardens after our lunch close by, was both really pleasant and a lesson in frustration as the taxi’s that I was so impressed with in the morning, didn’t turn up and we wasted time waiting – Annoyed and weary, Bronwyn and I trammed back to the hotel in the rush hour . Certainly…. ready for a wee drink at the bar!!!
Anyway day 1 was fun, my group literally know everyone’s names and we have begun and are ready to head off on our adventure.